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What are the best good sports cars under $30k that come out on top of our list? Continue reading to find out!
This article will help you discover the top 10 best sporty cars under $30k with detailed specifications and an overview of each car model and price tag. To make the best decisions, you have to know about the top-rated sporty cars for your budget.
Today, our experts speak about cheap sports cars considering their price, performance, safety, technology, and more. We evaluated over 50 fastest cars under 30k for creating our final and concise list. Ready to view the full list?
Here is the complete list of the best budget sports cars under $30k:
Let’s review each car separately now! We will start our list from the last position in our rating — the Audi TT Coupe.
1 Audi TT Coupe
Price Tag
$49,800 – $59,500
The Audi TT 2021 has a starting price of $49,800, which is considered a cheap sporty car you can buy on a budget. After that, the worth rises to $59,500 for the TTS model and jumps to $72,500 for the high-performing TT RS model. You can easily find older models below the $30 000 price tag.
About the Car Model
If you are looking for a luxury sports car but still not a millionaire, Audi TT is for you, especially if you are looking for an everyday sports car! The TT has an impressive acceleration time from 0 to 60 in 3.6 seconds and a top speed mph of 150.
Specs
| Specifications | ||
| Fuel Economy:23 / 31 mpg | Engine hp:228@5,000 | Engine: 4-Cyl Turbo 2.0 Liter |
| Fuel Capacity14.5 | Transmission, S Tronic 7 Speed Automatic with Manual Mode | Torque lb258@1,750 |
| Cargo Capacity12.0 | Seating4/4 | DrivetrainAWD |
| Front Legroom41.1 | Wheelbase98.6 | Rear Legroom28.9 |
2 Volkswagen Golf GTI
Price Tag
$28,695 – $36,945
The Volkswagen Golf GTI, with one of the best number of features that come standard, has a base S trim for $28,695. The mid-level starts at $32,665, and the Autobahn model costs $36,945.
About the Car Model
The ultimate compact sports car for an affordable price, The Volkswagen Golf GTI performs far beyond expected. Often underestimated, this car is fun to drive, with fantastic speed manual transmissions, a four-cylinder engine, and excellent performance.
Specs
| Specifications | ||
| Engine: 4-Cyl Turbo 2.0 Liter | Horsepower228@4,700 | Body StyleHatchback |
| Seating5/5 | Fuel Economy:city mpg 28 / hwy mpg 36 | Horsepower:147@5,000 |
| Wheelbase103.8 | Torque184@1,400 | Length167.6 |
| Transmission, 6 Speed Manual | Front Legroom41.2 | DrivetrainFWD |
3 Nissan 370Z NISMO
Price Tag
$30,090 – $47,190
The starting price for 370Z NISMO starts at $31,090, which is a very affordable price for such a car. For more information about prices, visit the official Nissan website.
About the Car Model
Nissan 370Z NISMO is a two-seater, affordable, and coolest-looking sports car, perfect for everyday driving. It is wonderfully speedy with nimble handling and excellent overall performance. The sleek design in neon color exterior and superior quality materials make this car well-performing and very good-looking.
Specs
| Specifications | ||
| Engine: V6 3.7 Liter | Fuel Economy:17 / 26 mpg | Horsepower:332@7,000 |
| Seating2/2 | Transmission, 6 Speed Manual | Standard MPG17/26 |
| Cargo Capacity6.9 | Torque270@5,200 | Wheelbase100.4 |
| Wheel drive systemRWD | Curb Weight3,333 | Fuel Capacity19.0 |
4 Ford Mustang
Price Tag
$27,155 – $70,300
The price for Ford Mustang starts at $27,155 for a base trim, which is an average for a sports car class. If you want a convertible, it starts at $32,655. More luxury trims can go up to $70,300.
About the Car Model
The Ford Mustang is one of the best-looking stylest four-seater cars with a price tag below $30k. The four-cylinder engine, 310 horsepower makes it one of the best performing supercars worth every penny!
Specs
| Specifications | ||
| Fuel Economy:21 / 30 mpg | Horsepower310@5,500 | Engine: 4-Cyl Turbo 2.3 Liter EcoBoost® |
| Front Legroom45.1 | DrivetrainRWD | Torque350@3,000 |
| Transmission, 6 Speed Manual (MT82) | Wheelbase107.1 | Seating4/4 |
| Fuel Capacity15.5 | Rear Legroom29.0 | Engine TypeTurbo Gas |
5 Chevrolet Camaro
Price Tag
$25,000 – $69,000
The Chevrolet Camaro price tag varies from $25,000 to $69,000, depending on the trim you choose. It is a very affordable sports car for the market. More details about this you can find on the Chevrolet website.
About the Car Model
The Chevrolet Camaro is a sporty looking, stylish, and excellently performing sports car, ranking in the sixth position in our rating. The interior quality is below average, but it earns great top speed starting at 275 engine hp and the fastest acceleration from 0 to 60 in 5.4 seconds.
Specs
| Specifications | ||
| Zero to 60:5.6 seconds | Fuel Economy:20 / 30 mpg | Engine: 4-Cyl Turbo 2.0 Liter |
| Torque 295@3,000 | Transmission, Tremec 6 Speed Manual (TR6060) | Horsepower275@5,600 |
| Wheelbase110.7 | Seating4/4 | DrivetrainRWD |
| Fuel Capacity19.0 | Front Legroom43.9 | Cargo Capacity9.1 |
6 Chevrolet Corvette C6
Price Tag
$58,900 – $70,850
The 2021 Chevrolet Corvette C6 model’s starting price is $58,900, but you can find better options from the previous years or seek a used car. The costs for these sporty models are below $30k.
About the Car Model
Chevrolet Corvette C6 athletic car provides one of the best performance for its value. It is incrediblyAfter that, it is balanced, aesthetically looking, with a fantastic interior and excellent engine performance.
Specs
| Specifications | ||
| Engine: V8 6.2 Liter | Fuel Economy:16 / 25 mpg | Horsepower lb ft:490@6,450 |
| Ft torque470@5,150 | Standard MPG16/25 | Seating2/2 |
| Wheelbase107.2 | Cargo Capacity12.6 | Fuel Capacity18.5 |
| DrivetrainRWD | 8 Speed Automatic with Manual Mode (M1L) | Engine TypeGas |
7 Subaru WRX STI
Price Tag
$27,495 – $41,945
The Subaru WRX STI is one of the cheapest new sports cars available on the market. The starting price for the base trim is $27,459 and can go up to $41,945 for more expensive trims.
About the Car Model
The Subaru WRX STI is an amazingly performing sports car with a 6-speed manual transmission, five seatings, an All-wheel-drive and a four 1.5-liter cylinder engine with 268 horsepower. More information about the car model you can find on the official Subaru website.
Specs
| Specifications | ||
| Engine: 4-Cyl Turbo 2.0 Liter BOXER | Horsepower:268@5,600 | Fuel Economy:21 / 27 mpg |
| Seating5/5 | DrivetrainAWD | Curb Weight3,294 |
| Transmission, 6 Speed Manual | Front Legroom43.3 | Length180.9 |
| Height58.1 | Wheelbase104.3 | Torque258@2,000 |
8 BMW E46 M3
Price Tag
Approx. $20,000-$40,000
The price range for the BMW E46 M3 supercar starts at $20,000 and goes up to $40,000 for an extended trim level.
About the Car Model
The BMW M3 is one of the top-rated sports cars, generation of 2000–2006. It is fun to drive a sporty car with a cute hatch. Smooth and dependably strong six-speed manual, with a100 km/h (62 miles per hour) acceleration time of 5.1 seconds.
Specs
| Specifications | ||
| Engine3.2 L S54B32 I6 | 100 km/h (62 miles per hour) acceleration time of 5.1 seconds | Top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph) |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: 15.6 gal. capacity | Weight1,570 kg (3,461 lb) | 2-door 2+2 coupé or convertible |
| Fuel Tank Capacity 15.6 gal. | Total Seating 5/5 | Transmission: 6-speed manual |
| Ground Clearance 4.7 in. | Range In Miles (Cty/Hwy) 249.6/358.8 mi. | Wheel Base 2,720 mm (107 in) |
9 Dodge Challenger V8
Price Tag
$28,295 – $58,995
Dodge Challenger prices start at $28,295 and can go up to $58,995 depending on the trim level you choose. For more information, visit the official Dodge website.
About the Car Model
One of the best-looking sport vehicles in this rating, the Dodge Challenger V8 is a legendary car with a modern design and outstanding performance. A potent engine lineup with 305 horsepower hp, user-friendly technology, and a surprisingly roomy interior provide the comfort and excitement of a sports car.
Specs
| Specifications | ||
| Fuel Economy:19 / 30 mpg | Horsepower:305@6,350 | Engine: V6 3.6 Liter PentaStar |
| Wheelbase116.2 | DrivetrainRWD | Fuel Capacity18.5 |
| Torque268@4,800 | Rear Shoulder Room53.9 | Curb Weight3,858 |
| Powertrain Warranty Miles60,000 | Seating5/5 | TorqueFlite® 8 Speed Automatic Mode Select with Manual Mode (8HP50) |
10 Honda Civic Si
Price Tag
$21,050 – $43,995
Honda discontinued the Civic Si model in 2021, but you can still find affordable options from previous years below the $30k mark.
About the Car Model
The number one in our rating, compact sporty-looking car Honda Civic Si is very affordable with outstanding performance! The Limited edition Si trim of the Honda Civic is the best sports car for the money, having great acceleration, horsepower, and fuel efficiency with plenty of passenger space and cargo capacity.
Specs
| Specifications | ||
| Transmission DescriptionManual w/OD | 1.5-litre engine | Fuel SystemGasoline Direct Injection |
| Range, city/highway (miles)322.40 / 446.40 | Maximum Horsepower @ RPM205 @ 5700 | Maximum Torque @ RPM192 @ 2100 |
| Fuel Capacity / Gas Tank Size12.4 | EPA Fuel Economy, combined/city/highway (mpg)30 / 26 / 36 | Manual Transmission Speeds6 |
| Passenger / Seating Capacity5/5 | Wheelbase (inches)106.3 | Fuel Capacity / Gas Tank Size12.4 |
11 Comparison Table of Sports Cars Under $30000
We hope you enjoyed our top 10 sports cars under a $30k rating. However, for the final review, we want you to look at the comparison table to understand better what can be your perfect sporty car to buy this year.
| SUV Model Name | Price range | Fuel Economy (city/highway) | Engine | Horsepower | Seating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audi TT Coupe | $49,800 – $59,500 | 23 / 31 mpg | 4-Cyl Turbo 2.0 Liter | 228@5,000 | 4/4 |
| Volkswagen Golf GTI | $28,695 – $36,945 | 28 / 36 mpg | 4-Cyl Turbo 2.0 Liter | 228@4,700 | 5/5 |
| Nissan 370Z NISMO | $30,090 – $47,190 | 17/26 mpg | V6 3.7 Liter | 332@7,000 | 4/4 |
| Ford Mustang | $27,155 – $70,300 | 21 / 30 mpg | 4-Cyl Turbo 2.3 Liter EcoBoost® | 310@5,500 | 4/4 |
| Chevrolet Camaro | $25,000 – $69,000 | 20 / 30 mpg | 4-Cyl Turbo 2.0 Liter | 275@5,600 | 4/4 |
| Chevrolet Corvette C6 | $58,900 – $70,850 | 16 / 25 mpg | V8 6.2 Liter | 490@6,450 | 2/2 |
| Subaru WRX STI | $27,495 – $41,945 | 21 / 27 mpg | 4-Cyl Turbo 2.0 Liter BOXER | 268@5,600 | 5/5 |
| BMW E46 M3 | approx. $20,000-$40,000 | 13 / 28 mpg | 3.2 L S54B32 I6 / 4.0 L P60B40 V8 | 343@N/A | 4/2 |
| Dodge Challenger V8 | $28,295 – $58,995 | 19 / 30 mpg | V6 3.6 Liter PentaStar | 305@6,350 | 5/5 |
| Honda Civic Si | $21,050 – $43,995 | 28 / 38 mpg | 1.5 L VTEC turbo | 205 @ 2100 | 5/5 |
